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Lovely here. The Maine coast is amazing, and Yugen's town is filled with green, and houses and stores in their 19th century buildings. So beautiful. Today, Yugen and I are having lunch with Zen Teacher Dosho Port, who just moved to this area.

Just to mention that Yugen and I are planning a second Zazenkai, in addition to tonight, this coming Sunday morning Maine time (which would be Sunday afternoon Europe time if any folks from there would like to sit in).

Lovely here. The Maine coast is amazing, and Yugen's town is filled with houses and stores in their old 19th century buildings. So beautiful. Today, Yugen and I are having lunch with Zen Teacher Dosho Port, who just moved to this area.

Just to mention that Yugen and I are planning a second Zazenkai, in addition to tonight, this coming Sunday morning Maine time (which would be Sunday afternoon Europe time if any folks from their would like to sit in).

Gassho, J

Wow, sounds amazing ... hope you don't mind that I live vicariously through you guys on this journey. =) Have a wonderful time with Yugen.

Gassho
Shingen

RINDO SHINGEN
倫道 真現

As a trainee priest, please take any commentary by me on matters of the Dharma with a pinch of salt.

"Know that the practice of zazen is the complete path of buddha-dharma and nothing can be compared to it....it is not the practice of one or two buddhas but all the buddha ancestors practice this way."
Dogen zenji in Bendowa

Thanks Dosho. I have looked the recording and there is a distinct bell sound about a minute or two before the actual end bell and you and I are not the only ones that heard it by the look of things!
Gassho
Taikyo

Thanks Dosho. I have looked the recording and there is a distinct bell sound about a minute or two before the actual end bell and you and I are not the only ones that heard it by the look of things!
Gassho
Taikyo

Oh yes! I heard it too. I did that "I don't know what to do now thing" and even went so far as to move my bench out of the way only to have to move it back. The funny thing was that I was trying to be sneaky and quiet even though my mic was muted. :-)

Gassho,

Shugen

As a priest in training, please take everything I say with a pinch of salt

I heard it too! My thought at the time was that someone had a meditation timer that sounded and microphone was not muted. No worries!

Yes, I do the "if I move slowly no one will notice" motion sometimes as well when I adjust posture. It is really instructive to sit with experienced folks - I noticed Jundo was still as a mountain during the zazen periods (I can hear him responding "but mountains walk in stillness....") . Other experienced teachers I have practiced with do as well. I am a "fidgeter" - so it's good practice.

Thank you all for your patience as this clueless novice fumbles forward.

Writing from the train to Boston, which has wifi (We could almost hold a Zazenkai right here).

My gratitude to Yugen and his family. His wife is so good hearted, and his children talented and wise beyond their years. Yugen was just the person I have known for years. This was especially true last night when Yugen got up from barely a bite at dinner table to drive me and Leon to the hospital, as Leon had a sudden onset of the croup (I think that is the spelling). Leon is much better today, and the doctor gave us clearance to travel. It was one of the great times of the visit, in fact ... as lovely as the lakes and oceans that Yugen was so kind to show us these past days. You see, friendship is the most beautiful of all.

As I said, Leon is much better today although we will still take it rather easy. All systems go!

If any of you US Treeleafers can somehow make it, please try your utmost to meet Jundo or Taigu in person while they are in the US. Their generosity is very very great indeed and should inspire us to make more of an effort to meet them and the Dharma (either in our hearts or face to face ... or both ).

I had exactly the same thoughts and feelings after my visit to Yugen's last summer. A beautiful place and a beautiful family.

I do hope Leon is feeling better and can enjoy Boston. If you can, check out Fenway Park. The Sox are out of town so it should be reasonably quiet over there (take the green line to Kenmore Square then walk over the bridge rather than the Fenway stop which requires getting on a particular train). Other suggestions: take the elevator ride up the Prudential building to the viewing deck, check out Faneuil Hall, and Harvard Square.

Jundo's visit was very special and both he and Leon's absence are keenly felt today.

You are my Sangha and my family. That pretty much sums it up. To those of you who are hosting Jundo and Leon in his travels. as Hans as said, embrace this experience fully. If you have the opportunity to take some time and join him en route, please do so. It's worth it. Jundo lives his zen practice - he has a ready smile, a sense of gratitude, and a sharp sense of humor. He does not do 'milquetoast' zen - don't be lulled into complacency in by the humor and wit - he communicates the essence of the teachings in way that is accessible and relevant to each of his students. That is the sign of true mastery. Our household, and my practice are both changed profoundly after spending four days with him. I'm glad we could share it with you.